THE RITE OF THE REPOSE OF SOULS (HOKEHANKIST)
One of the oldest traditions of the Armenian Orthodox Church is the Liturgy for the Repose of Souls or Hokehankist in Armenian. Our Church teaches that “it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be freed from their sins” (II Maccabees 12:43-45). The names of your departed loved ones will be remembered in special prayers during the Divine Liturgy and a special service will be held at the end of the Liturgy. If you wish to make arrangements for a Hokehankist service, simply contact a member of the Parish Council before the Divine Liturgy.

Traditionally, Hokehankist prayers are offered on the Karasounk, the closest Sunday following the fortieth day after the passing of a loved one. The service can also be held yearly, on the anniversary of the death or on any other occasion that one wishes to pray for the souls of deceased loved ones.